Where we work
Morocco
WHY WE WORK IN MOROCCO
Gender inequality has been on the legal agenda in Morocco for the past few years. Following King Mohammed VI’s speech in July 2022, a reform process of the Mudawana – Morocco’s family law – began. The king declared that it was time for the responsible institutions in Morocco to recognize the rights of women to equally participate in the development of society. Reforms to the Mudawana were approved in late 2024. One of the key points in the reform is that in the case of a divorce, custody and guardianship of the children are recognized as a joint right held by both parents, regardless of whether the mother remarries. Feminist activists in Morocco have deemed the reform partial, not comprehensive, indicating that more needs to be done for gender justice in legislation – and practice – to create a more equal and free society.
In 2025, women’s representation in the parliament is 24.3%.This is an increase from 21.8% in 2021but still indicates a relatively low level of political participation, with women being underrepresented in decision-making processes. Limited political representation and participation can hinder the advancement of gender equality and the effective inclusion of women’s voices in policy-making. In 2024, the labor force participation rate among females in Morocco was 19.5%, significantly lower than the male participation rate (68.4%).
Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Morocco. As of 2022, 57.1% of all Moroccan women aged 15-74 had experienced physical, psychological, sexual, or economic violence in the previous twelve months. In 2018, legislation intended to protect women against violence was accepted in parliament, but since its launch, criticism for gaps have been raised by women’s rights organizations’ for not including marital rape, and for being poorly implemented.
Thus, support and protection for GBV survivors is not in place as instigated by the law. Morocco’s Penal Code includes reference to digital violence as a form of gender-based violence but because of a lack of understanding and knowledge, recognition and prosecution are a challenge.
WORKING FOR GENDER JUSTICE INTERNATIONALLY
In addition to Morocco, KVINFO works for Gender Equality in Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine.
Click on one of the countries above to read more about our work.
Regrettably, gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Morocco. According to a report by the Moroccan Ministry of Family, Solidarity, Equality, and Social Development, more than half of Moroccan women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime. In 2018, legislation intended to protect women against violence was accepted in parliament, but since its launch, criticism for gaps have been raised by women’s rights organisations for not including marital rape, and for being poorly implemented.
Thus, support and protection for GBV survivors is not in place as instigated by the law. Morocco’s Penal Code includes reference to digital violence as a form of gender-based violence but because of a lack of understanding and knowledge, recognition and prosecution are a challenge.
WHAT WE DO
In Morocco, KVINFO works with civil society partners to advance gender justice and equality. KVINFO aims to contribute to the dialogue and collaboration initiated within civil society about how to work together despite diverse perspectives on family and individual rights, as a step towards supporting gender just law reform.
Examples of work with partners include:
- Preventing child, early and forced marriage
- Combatting technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBFV)
- Challenging and deconstructing gender stereotypes
- Advocating for women’s equal participation in political and civic life
- Promoting youth inclusion in feminist debates and civic engagement
- Strengthening evidence-based dialogue with duty bearers on gender justice
- Developing concrete advice and guidelines for applying Islamic feminism in practice for improved gender justice
WHO WE WORK WITH
In Morocco, KVINFO collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of women’s rights and feminist organizations’:
Well-established membership-based women’s rights organizations’ with broad outreach, strong networks, and direct connections to policy makers and institutions. These partners play a crucial role in influencing national debates and decision-making..
Smaller and specialized organizations’. They are issue-driven, agile and innovative, and develop, apply and adapt new methodologies. They are often localized, with smaller reach but have the potential to scale up.
